August 1998

Saluki Standard - Filling in the Gaps - Part 3


Any eye color is permissible ranging between golden and dark brown.  Light eyes should never be penalized.  A light eye in a dark dog, though more noticeable, is still correct.  Eyes may be set on a slant or not - either is correct.  They should be without obvious haws, large, luminous, oval and set well apart to achieve the necessary far-sightedness. The expression can go from soft & wistful to mischievous to predatory in a matter of seconds.  All are acceptable.

Either an even or scissors bite is correct.

Shoulders should fit nicely into the body without a "hole" behind the blade. Angulation is rather open compared to a herding/trotting dog.  The spine of the blade measures approximately 10 to 20 degrees from the perpendicular. The upper arm should be as long as the blade and angle only slightly under the dog, approximating the degree of shoulder layback so that rear of elbow and top of blade lie in a perpendicular line to the ground.  The upper arm may also be fairly straight without any decrease in the functional ability of the dog. Making sure the upper arm has good length is more important than the set back.  If the dog is set under too far, function is lost.  It is highly unlikely you will ever encounter "coarse" shoulders.  Please do not confuse well muscled with coarse.

There should be good breadth across the "seat" bones.  Seen in profile, both 1st and 2nd thighs must have good width and muscle.  Some croups slope gently (about 30 degrees) and some have a rounded, tucked appearance.  Both are functional.  Seen from behind, there should be good inner and outer thigh muscle.  The croup should appear as a broad-based trapezoid.  How wide a dog stands in the rear is immaterial.  They should not appear bowed like the Afghan.  Rear angles should balance those of the front which means the majority of salukis you see in the ring are overangulated.  The rear legs should not be so long nor so angulated that they "sweep" well behind the rear of the dog while standing.

The standard does not define where the "naturally carried curve" of the tail shall be and it is quite acceptable to have a saluki carry it above the backline or even over the back as long as the set is properly low. Historically the tail may also have a distinct curl or double curl.

The standard names but a few of the possible colors or combinations.  There is absolutely no preference in color or markings - anything goes.

TEMPERAMENT - Many salukis are not keen about strangers touching them.  It is typical for them to pull back when you reach for their heads and should not be considered faulty temperament.  Do be patient, especially regarding youngsters who do not wish to be examined.  Try not to stare directly into their eyes.  Many salukis will settle better if you give them a soft verbal greeting - they are quite sensitive to voices. 

GAIT - The working gait of the saluki is the double suspension gallop. The entire dog should show great flexibility.  Do not judge the "up & back" too harshly.  This is not a breed that was built for trotting in the show ring and selecting for the best trotters has caused breed type to deteriorate.  It is not necessary for the saluki to carry its head & neck erect during the trot.  Being a long-legged animal, the legs should converge and single tracking is acceptable.  The side gait should be at a moderate pace, showing lightness, efficiency and ease without excessive reach and drive.  It might remind you of the collected trot of a fine dressage horse. As each foot touches the ground it should show a slight return spring and lift of the pastern which makes it mildly prancy but never hackneyed.  The correct trot in the saluki, as in other animals, should be a 2-beat gait - the diagonal front & rear legs should touch down at the same time with the rear foot slipping into the track left by the lifting front foot.  They should not over reach.  If exhibitors are allowed to race their dogs around the ring at excessive speeds, you will be unable to determine if the saluki has the correct gait for the breed.

CONCLUSION:  Remember the saluki is a long legged hunter with great stamina - swift, strong, agile, tough - not an ethereal couch decoration, though they fill that role admirably as well.


Linda Scanlon, guest columnist
breeder/judge